Guam - Child abuse, sexual assault and crime victims endure a pain that is hidden from public view and often times is an ongoing tragedy. Too often are children taken advantage of and those committing the crimes go on without accountability as sadly many victims of sexual assault and child abuse suffer in silence out of fear.

The statistics are mounting. Department of Public Health and Social Services child protective services family service worker Jenei Aguon. "Currently we have about 1,988 referrals - that was just for Fiscal Year 2012 and that's about 3,064 children referred last year. So, you know, the numbers are staggering and compared to last fiscal year it has risen."

Maresa Aguon is the program manager for the Mental Health's Healing Hearts Program. She's on the front line fighting to protect victims everyday, and told KUAM News, "In 2012 we served 154 clients. These are victims of sexual assault and abuse and of those about 80% were minors under the age of 18 and about 90% were female."

"Our numbers have been increasing since 2008, in 2008 I believe we had 124 and since then it's been increasing every year. This year for the first three months our numbers are actually down its surprising but always good to hear."

The cases, however, are staggering at the Office of the Attorney General. AG Leonardo Rapadas said, "We are seeing an number an increase in reports coming into our office every year we are filing 2,000 or more cases of felonies and misdemeanors. We have almost 10,000 active cases."

Doing what they can the best they can with a small number of prosecutors and victim advocates the AG's Office stays in contact with victims to keep them apprised of their rights. Child Protective Services is one of the programs dedicated to the welfare and well being of our islands innocence. Despite the misconception that cps is there to take away children. CPS's main focus is the child working with them and their families to prevent further maltreatment.

Meanwhile Healing Hearts Guam's only rape crisis center providing medical examinations for adults and minors as well as case management services to assist victims by linking them to other services such as shelters, and advocacy services in addition to providing outreach and education programs to the community.

Being vigilant, aware and involved is the only way our society can prevent and help heal those affected by these intolerable crimes of child abuse and sexual assault.

April is dedicated to child abuse prevention, sexual assault awareness, and Crime Victim's Rights Week. This is a time where we need to remember that we each can play a role in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families within our community.